Common Gallinules are a lot easier since they tend to cruise and peck.
I started down the next stretch when a Bald Eagle flew in and landed on a phone pole. Another photographer was ahead of me so I gave her some space and got the best shot I could before it flew off.
We traveled a bit farther down the road and spotted another Bald Eagle on another pole. Suddenly, the male flew in to copulate!
Shortly afterward he flew off into the distance while the female remained to preen a bit. I don't see that everyday.
I don't often see too many Blue-winged Teal out here so it was a nice surprise to find this pair trying to stay hidden.
The Snowy Egret, in contrast, was prancing around like crazy.
American Coot numbers are on the increase all across the state.
OK. I guess I will have to take yet another Great Blue Heron shot since he is just sitting there...
Finally! A Belted Kingfisher that didn't fly away as I got a little closer. Still pretty far out in the marsh but at least it isn't sitting on a wire.
Across the canal as I made the turn a nice-sized American Alligator was hauled all the way to the top of the berm to catch some sunlight.
Another one down in the water was even bigger.
Hope the Anhinga is paying attention to the gator as much as he was to me.
Not as many Eastern Phoebes around as the last time I was out but a couple posed for me today.
Third species on a pole today. This time it was a Double-crested Cormorant.
While down in the water a very photogenic Pied-billed Grebe glided to a stop just out the window.
If I would have been looking the opposite direction I would have missed this bird completely. Fortunately I noticed the Cooper's Hawk shaking while it preened. Thus, that lovely fluffy look.
I took a bunch more photos until it eventually gained a more refined posture.
I neared the end of the drive and noticed an American Kestrel flitting around ahead. Kestrels are even more skittish than Kingfisher so I really wasn't expecting a photo. Then it grabbed an insect and circled back to land close to me! I didn't notice until I was editing the pictures at home but I never knew they rested on their tarsus. It would be similar to sitting on your shins.
Once it finished eating breakfast, it quickly stood in an upright position that we are all use to. Interesting.
Another fun trip around the top of the lake. Who knows when I will be able to get back out. Maybe New Year's Day. Last year I hiked 14 miles out here, before the drive was open. Don't mind hiking but I think I prefer the car for these longer jaunts. Makes it easier to sneak up on the birds, too.
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